EatBetterEatBetter
Foods ▾
Ready & Packaged FoodsVegetables & LegumesDesserts & ConfectioneryMeat & ProteinGrains & BakeryBeveragesMilk & DairyNatural & Other Foods

Ready & Packaged Foods

All →
Fast Food & RestaurantBurgers · Pizza · Doner & Wrap · Fried Sides · Restaurant Menu Items

Explore foods by category, subcategory or brand

CompareBrands
Tools ▾

Calorie Calculator

Work out your daily calorie needs

BMI Calculator

Body mass index from your height and weight

Food GuideCompareBlog
TR
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
A whole mackerel has an elongated, tapered body, a dark blue-green back marked with wavy stripes, silvery sides and belly, and a deeply forked tail.
●Low GI
★Natural
💪High Protein

Mackerel Calories

Rich in omega-3, high in protein, source of vitamin B12

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

205kcal

GI

0low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

314mg

FIBER · 100 G

0g

Quick answer

100 g of Mackerel has 205 calories. It contains 0 g of carbs, 19 g of protein, 13.9 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 19 µg of B12 covers 792% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Mackerel Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

205

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

0g

· 0% DV

Protein

19g

· 38% DV

Fat

13.9g

· 18% DV

Fiber

0g

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 38% · Fat 62%

Mackerel nutrition facts table · 100 g

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories205 kcal
Total fat13.9 g18%
Saturated fat3.3 g16%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium90 mg4%
Total carbohydrate0 g0%
Fiber0 g0%
Protein19 g38%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

EatBetter

Log this food in EatBetter

100,000+ people use it

  • Get your daily calorie target
  • Snap your meal, log it in seconds
  • See every vitamin and mineral
QR code to get the EatBetter app

📸 Scan the code to get the app free.

The EatBetter app recognising potatoes, broccoli and salmon on a plate

How Many Calories in 1 Medium Mackerel?

ServingAmountCalories
1 piece (medium)100 g205 kcal
1 piece (extra small)40 g82 kcal
1 piece (small)60 g123 kcal
1 serving (small)80 g164 kcal
100 g100 g205 kcal
1 serving (medium)120 g246 kcal
1 piece (large)180 g369 kcal
1 serving (large)200 g410 kcal
1 piece (extra large)250 g513 kcal

Calculated from 205 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mackerel

Is mackerel good for you?

Yes, mackerel is a nutritious oily fish that provides omega-3 fats, protein and vitamin B12. Grilling, baking or steaming it keeps preparation simple; smoked or heavily salted versions can contribute more sodium.

Is mackerel high in mercury?

Most commonly eaten mackerel, such as Atlantic or chub mackerel, is relatively low in mercury. King mackerel is a different, large species with much higher mercury, so check which type is meant when following seafood advice.

What does mackerel taste like?

Mackerel has a rich, savory flavor and oily, tender flesh, stronger than many white fish. Lemon, herbs or sharp sauces balance it well, while smoking gives it a more intense taste.

What is the best way to cook mackerel?

Mackerel cooks well grilled, broiled or baked, and its oily flesh stays moist under high heat. Score the skin so it cooks evenly, and avoid overcooking, which can make the flesh dry.

Can you eat mackerel skin?

Yes, mackerel skin is edible when the fish is properly cleaned and cooked. It crisps nicely in a hot pan or under a grill; remove any scales first if they are present.

Is canned mackerel as good as fresh mackerel?

Canned mackerel can be a convenient source of protein and omega-3, while fresh mackerel offers a different texture and flavor. Compare the salt content of canned varieties, especially if you are limiting sodium.

How should you store fresh mackerel?

Keep fresh mackerel very cold and cook it promptly, because oily fish can spoil quickly. To keep it longer, clean and wrap it airtight before freezing; thaw it in the refrigerator rather than on the counter.

Can you eat mackerel raw?

Raw mackerel can carry parasites and bacteria, so do not eat ordinary fresh mackerel raw. Use fish specifically handled for raw consumption and follow proper food-safety guidance; cooking it thoroughly is the safer everyday choice.

What is the difference between king mackerel and Atlantic mackerel?

King mackerel and Atlantic mackerel are different species, not interchangeable names. King mackerel is larger and has much higher mercury levels, while Atlantic mackerel is a smaller oily fish commonly eaten in many regions.

Can you eat mackerel during pregnancy?

Yes, many pregnancy guidelines include lower-mercury mackerel, such as Atlantic mackerel, when it is thoroughly cooked. Avoid king mackerel because of its high mercury level, and ask your clinician which local fish guidance applies to you.

Mackerel Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

19µg · 792% DV

Vitamin D

16.1µg · 81% DV

B3

7.6mg · 48% DV

B6

0.8mg · 47% DV

Minerals

Selenium

44µg · 80% DV

Phosphorus

220mg · 31% DV

Iodine

35µg · 23% DV

Magnesium

60mg · 14% DV

Potassium ⭐

314mg · 9% DV

Sodium

90mg · 4% DV

Mackerel Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

0
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Mackerel

To burn the 205 calories in 100 g:

🚶

51min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

21min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

28min

Cycling

🏊

24min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Mackerel?

Mackerel is a firm-fleshed, oily sea fish; kolyoz is the Turkish name for a mackerel found in the region’s waters. Its rich, savoury flavour stands up well to simple cooking, and the flesh turns tender and flaky when cooked. Mackerel is commonly grilled, baked or pan-fried, and also appears smoked or canned in many English-speaking countries. Serve it with lemon and vegetables, or flake it into a salad.

It is naturally high in protein and omega-3 fats, with no carbohydrates. Grilling or baking rather than frying keeps the preparation straightforward; a crisp salad or plain vegetables make an easy pairing.

How Nutritious Is Mackerel?

Nutrient density

Very high

80/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

48/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Mackerel Processed?

NOVA 1

Unprocessed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Mackerel Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish yes
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Mackerel Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Mackerel Fat Profile

SATURATED

3.3g

MONOUNSATURATED

5g

POLYUNSATURATED

3.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 0.1:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Mackerel

🐟vs🐟
Mackerel vs Salmon Fillet1 kcal fewer per 100 g
→
🐟vs🐟
Mackerel vs Canned Tuna89 kcal more per 100 g
→
🐟vs🐟
Mackerel vs Fish95 kcal more per 100 g
→
🐟vs🐟
Mackerel vs Tuna73 kcal more per 100 g
→

Foods Similar to Mackerel

🐟

Salmon Fillet

206 kcal

🐟

Canned Tuna

116 kcal

🐟

Fish

110 kcal

🐟

Tuna

132 kcal

🐟

Baked Sea Bass

110 kcal

🐟

Grilled Sea Bass

124 kcal

🐟

Whiting

90 kcal

🦪

Stuffed Mussels

175 kcal

Have another question about Mackerel?

Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.

EatBetter

Scan calories with your camera

Instant AI nutrition analysis

App StoreGoogle Play

Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.